Static memory cell and method of manufacturing a static memory cell

ABSTRACT

A static memory cell having no more than three transistors. A static memory cell is formed by providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a buried n-type layer in the substrate, the n-type layer having a first average n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10 16  ions/cm 3  ; forming an n-channel transistor relative to the substrate over the buried n-type layer, the n-channel transistor having a source, a gate, and a drain, the source having a second average n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10 19  ions/cm 3  and the drain having a third average n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10 19  ions/cm 3 , and the source having a depth deeper than the drain so as to be closer to the buried n-type layer than the drain; and forming a p-type region in junction with the source to define a tunnel diode between the p-type region and the source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/027,931, filed Feb.23, 1998, entitled and now abandoned "Novel Static Memory Cell andMethod of Manufacturing a Static Memory Cell" listing inventors asZhiqiang Wu and Joseph Karniewicz, which in turn is a Continuation ofSer. No. 08/796,777, filed Feb. 10, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,906,which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/492,774, filed Jun. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,546.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to static memory cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a prior art static read/write memory cell 10 such as istypically used in high-density static random access memories (SRAMs). Astatic memory cell is characterized by operation in one of twomutually-exclusive and self-maintaining operating states. Each operatingstate defines one of the two possible binary bit values, zero or one. Astatic memory cell typically has an output which reflects the operatingstate of the memory cell. Such an output produces a "high" voltage toindicate a "set" operating state. The memory cell output produces a"low" voltage to indicate a "reset" operating state. A low or resetoutput voltage usually represents a binary value of zero, while a highor set output voltage represents a binary value of one.

Static memory cell 10 generally comprises first and second inverters 12and 14 which are cross-coupled to form a bistable flip-flop. Inverters12 and 14 are formed by n-channel driver transistors 16 and 17, andp-channel load transistors 18 and 19. Driver transistors 16 and 17 aretypically metal oxide silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) formedin an underlying silicon semiconductor substrate. P-channel transistors18 and 19 are typically thin film transistors formed above the drivertransistors.

The source regions of driver transistors 16 and 17 are tied to a lowreference or circuit supply voltage, labelled V_(ss) and typicallyreferred to as "ground." Load transistors 18 and 19 are connected inseries between a high reference or circuit supply voltage, labelledV_(cc), and the drains of the corresponding driver transistors 16 and17. The gates of load transistors 18 and 19 are connected to the gatesof the corresponding driver transistors 16 and 17.

Inverter 12 has an inverter output 20 formed by the drain of drivertransistor 16. Similarly, inverter 14 has an inverter output 22 formedby the drain of driver transistor 17. Inverter 12 has an inverter input24 formed by the gate of driver transistor 16. Inverter 14 has aninverter input 26 formed by the gate of driver transistor 17.

The inputs and outputs of inverters 12 and 14 are cross-coupled to forma flip-flop having a pair of complementary two-state outputs.Specifically, inverter output 20 is cross-coupled to inverter input 26,and inverter output 22 is cross-coupled to inverter input 24. In thisconfiguration, inverter outputs 20 and 22 form the complementarytwo-state outputs of the flip-flop.

A memory flip-flop such as that described typically forms one memoryelement of an integrated array of static memory elements. A plurality ofaccess transistors, such as access transistors 30 and 32, are used toselectively address and access individual memory elements within thearray. Access transistor 30 has one active terminal connected tocross-coupled inverter output 20. Access transistor 32 has one activeterminal connected to cross-coupled inverter output 22. A plurality ofcomplementary column line pairs, such as the single pair ofcomplementary column lines 34 and 36 shown, are connected to theremaining active terminals of access transistors 30 and 32,respectively. A row line 38 is connected to the gates of accesstransistors 30 and 32.

Reading static memory cell 10 requires activating row line 38 to connectinverter outputs 20 and 22 to column lines 34 and 36. Writing to staticmemory cell 10 requires first placing selected complementary logicvoltages on column lines 34 and 36, and then activating row line 38 toconnect those logic voltages to inverter outputs 20 and 22. This forcesthe outputs to the selected logic voltages, which will be maintained aslong as power is supplied to the memory cell, or until the memory cellis reprogrammed.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative prior art static read/write memory cell 50such as is typically used in high-density static random access memories.Static memory cell 50 comprises a-channel pulldown (driver) transistors80 and 82 having drains respectively connected to load elements orresistors 84 and 86. Transistors 80 and 82 are typically metal oxidesilicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) formed in an underlyingsilicon semiconductor substrate.

The source regions of transistors 80 and 82 are tied to a low referenceor circuit supply voltage, labelled V_(ss) and typically referred to as"ground." Resistors 84 and 86 are respectively connected in seriesbetween a high reference or circuit supply voltage, labelled V_(cc), andthe drains of the corresponding transistors 80 and 82. The drain oftransistor 82 is connected to the gate of transistor 80 by line 76, andthe drain of transistor 80 is connected to the gate of transistor 82 byline 74 to form a flip-flop having a pair of complementary two-stateoutputs.

A memory flip-flop, such as that described above in connection with FIG.2, typically forms one memory element of an integrated array of staticmemory elements. A plurality of access transistors, such as accesstransistors 90 and 92, are used to selectively address and accessindividual memory elements within the array. Access transistor 90 hasone active terminal connected to the drain of transistor 80. Accesstransistor 92 has one active terminal connected to the drain oftransistor 82. A plurality of complementary column line pairs, such asthe single pair of complementary column lines 52 and 54 shown, areconnected to the remaining active terminals of access transistors 90 and92, respectively. A row line 56 is connected to the gates of accesstransistors 90 and 92.

Reading static memory cell 50 requires activating row line 56 to connectoutputs 68 and 72 to column lines 52 and 54. Writing to static memorycell 10 requires first placing selected complementary logic voltages oncolumn lines 52 and 54, and then activating row line 56 to connect thoselogic voltages to outputs 68 and 72. This forces the outputs to theselected logic voltages, which will be maintained as long as power issupplied to the memory cell, or until the memory cell is reprogrammed.

A static memory cell is said to be bistable because it has two stable orself-maintaining operating states, corresponding to two different outputvoltages. Without external stimuli, a static memory cell will operatecontinuously in a single one of its two operating states. It hasinternal feedback to maintain a stable output voltage, corresponding tothe operating state of the memory cell, as long as the memory cellreceives power.

The two possible output voltages produced by a static memory cellcorrespond generally to upper and lower circuit supply voltages.Intermediate output voltages, between the upper and lower circuit supplyvoltages, generally do not occur except for during brief periods ofmemory cell power-up and during transitions from one operating state tothe other operating state.

The operation of a static memory cell is in contrast to other types ofmemory cells such as dynamic cells which do not have stable operatingstates. A dynamic memory cell can be programmed to store a voltage whichrepresents one of two binary values, but requires periodic reprogrammingor "refreshing" to maintain this voltage for more than very short timeperiods.

A dynamic memory cell has no internal feedback to maintain a stableoutput voltage. Without refreshing, the output of a dynamic memory cellwill drift toward intermediate or indeterminate voltages, resulting inloss of data. Dynamic memory cells are used in spite of this limitationbecause of the significantly greater packaging densities which can beattained. For instance, a dynamic memory cell can be fabricated with asingle MOSFET transistor, rather than the six transistors typicallyrequired in a static memory cell. Because of the significantly differentarchitectural arrangements and functional requirements of static anddynamic memory cells and circuits, static memory design has developedalong generally different paths than has the design of dynamic memories.

Tunnel diodes are known in the art. A tunnel diode is a diode having ap-n junction, with both sides of the junction highly doped (p+/n+). Inother words, both sides of the diode are doped into degeneracy. Becauseof the high doping levels, tunnelling of electrons is permitted in theforward direction across the junction (i.e., when a positive voltage isapplied to the p+ region). FIG. 3 is an energy band diagram of a tunneldiode. As applied positive bias increases, the height of the potentialbarrier at the junction decreases, and the width increases. As positivebias increases, the tunnel diode exhibits a characteristic with anegative differential resistance portion, as tunnel effect contributesprogressively less towards conductance of the diode (FIG. 4). Aspositive bias further increases, current reaches a valley point 96 wheretunnel effect ceases. For voltages above the valley point 96, the tunneldiode behaves like an ordinary p-n junction diode. The dashed line inFIG. 4 represents the characteristic of an ordinary p-n junction diode.Tunnelling also occurs in the reverse direction in a manner similar tothat for a Zener diode, except that breakdown voltage occurs at a smallpositive value of voltage, at peak point 98.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a circuit schematic of a prior art static memory cell.

FIG. 2 is a circuit schematic of another prior art static memory cell.

FIG. 3 is an energy band diagram of a prior art tunnel diode.

FIG. 4 is a current-voltage characteristic diagram of the prior arttunnel diode of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a wafer fragment comprising astatic memory cell embodying the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a wafer fragment iscomprising an alternative static memory cell embodying the invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic of the static memory cell of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a current-voltage characteristic diagram of the static memorycell of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a wafer fragment comprisinganother alternative static memory cell embodying the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a wafer fragment comprisinganother alternative static memory cell embodying the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote the progressof science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).

The invention provides a static memory cell having no more than threetransistors. One aspect of the invention provides a static memory cellhaving no more than one MOSFET.

Another aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor processingmethod of manufacturing a static memory cell, the method comprising thefollowing steps: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a buriedn-type layer in the substrate, the n-type layer having a first averagen-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; forming ann-channel transistor relative to the substrate over the buried n-typelayer, the n-channel transistor having a source, a gate, and a drain,the source having a second average n-type dopant concentration of atleast 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and the drain having a third average n-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³, and the source having a depthdeeper than the drain so as to be closer to the buried a-type layer thanthe drain; and forming a p-type region in junction with the source todefine a tunnel diode between the p-type region and the source.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing andoperating a static memory cell, the method comprising the followingsteps: providing a p-type semiconductor substrate having an averagep-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ ; forming aburied n-type layer in the substrate, the n-type layer having an averagen-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; forming ann-channel transistor relative to the substrate over the buried n-typelayer, the n-channel transistor having a gate, a memory node having anaverage n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³, and adigit line node having an average n-type dopant concentration of atleast 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³, and the memory node being closer to the buriedn-type layer than the digit line node; forming a p-type region injunction with the source to define a tunnel diode between the p-typeregion and the source; applying a first voltage to the p-type region;applying a second voltage to the buried n-type layer, the second voltagebeing lower than the first voltage; and applying a third voltage to thesubstrate, the third voltage being between the first voltage and thesecond voltage.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisinga semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a buried layerin the substrate, the buried layer having a second conductivity typeopposite to the first conductivity type, and the buried layer having anaverage dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; a transistorformed relative to the substrate over the buried layer, the transistorhaving a channel of the second conductivity type, the transistor havinga gate, a memory node having an average dopant concentration of at least1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³, and a digit line node having an average dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; and a region in junctionrelation with the memory node and defining a tunnel diode between theregion and the memory node, the region having an average dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisinga semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; a buried layerin the substrate, the buried layer having a second conductivity typeopposite to the first conductivity type; a transistor formed relative tothe substrate over the buried layer, the transistor having a source ofthe second conductivity type, a gate, and a drain of the secondconductivity type, the source having a depth in the substrate greaterthan the depth of the drain; and a region in junction relation with thesource, the region being of the first conductivity type.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisinga semiconductor substrate; a transistor formed in the substrate, thetransistor including a gate, a first n+ region having a depth in thesubstrate, and a second n+ region having a depth in the substrategreater than the depth of the first n+ region; an n+ buried layer belowthe second n+ region; and a p+ region above the second n+ region andover the substrate.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisinga semiconductor substrate; a transistor formed in the substrate, thetransistor including a gate, a first p+ region having a depth in thesubstrate, and a second p+ region having a depth in the substrategreater than the depth of the first p+ region; a p+ buried layer belowthe second p+ region; and an n+ region above the source region and overthe substrate.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisinga p-type semiconductor substrate having an average p-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ and being connected to a firstvoltage; a buried n-type diffusion layer in the substrate, the n-typelayer having an average n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ions/cm³ and being connected to a second voltage lower than the firstvoltage; an n-channel transistor formed relative to the substrate overthe buried n-type layer, the n-channel transistor having a source, agate, and a drain, the source having an average n-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and the drain having anaverage n-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; and ap-type region in junction relation with the source and operating incombination with the source to define a tunnel diode, the p-type regionbeing connected to a third voltage higher than the first voltage.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisingan n-type semiconductor substrate having an average n-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ and being connected to a firstvoltage; a buried p-type diffusion layer in the substrate, the p-typelayer having an average p-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ions/cm³ and being connected to a second voltage greater than the firstvoltage; a p-channel transistor formed relative to the substrate overthe buried p-type layer, the p-channel transistor having a source, agate, and a drain, the source having an average p-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and the drain having anaverage p-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; and ann-type region in junction relation with the source and operating incombination with the source to define a tunnel diode, the n-type regionbeing connected to a third voltage lower than the first voltage.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell comprisingan n-channel MOSFET having a drain, gate, and source; a npn transistorhaving a base, a collector, and an emitter; and a tunnel diode having ananode connected to a first voltage, and a cathode connected to thecollector of the npn transistor and to the source of the MOSFET.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell consistingessentially of an n-channel MOSFET having a gate, a drain, and a source;a buried layer of n-type material under the source; and a region ofp-type material in junction relation with the source.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell consistingessentially of a MOSFET having a gate, a drain, and a source; a buriedlayer under the source; and a region in junction relation with thesource and operating with the source as a tunnel diode.

Another aspect of the invention provides a static memory cell consistingessentially of a p-channel MOSFET having a gate, a drain, and a source;a buried layer of p-type material under the source; and a region ofn-type material in junction relation with the source.

FIG. 5 shows a static random access memory cell 100 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The memory cell 100 includes a bulksemiconductor silicon substrate 102. The substrate 102 is a p or p-substrate having an average p-type dopant concentration of between1×10¹⁵ ions/cm³ and 1×10¹⁸ ions/cm³. In the most preferred embodiment,the substrate 102 has an average p-type dopant concentration of between1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ and 1×10¹⁷ ions/cm³.

The memory cell 100 further includes a buried n+ layer 104 in thesubstrate 102. The n-type layer 104 has an average n-type dopantconcentration between 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10²¹ ions/cm³. In the mostpreferred embodiment, the layer 104 has an average n-type dopantconcentration between 1×10²⁰ ions/cm³ and 5×10²⁰ ions/cm³. In oneembodiment, the buried n-type layer 104 is formed by a dose of 4×10¹⁵ions/cm² of arsenic at approximately 500 KeV.

The memory cell 100 further includes an n-channel transistor 106 formedrelative to the substrate 102 over the buried n-type layer 104. Then-channel transistor 106 has an n+ memory node 108, a gate 110, and ann+ digit line node 112. In one illustrated embodiment, the memory node108 is defined by the source of the transistor 106, and the digit linenode 112 is formed by the drain of the transistor 106. In an alternativeembodiment, the memory node 108 is defined by the drain of thetransistor 106, and the digit line node 112 is formed by the source ofthe transistor 106.

The memory node 108 has an average n-type dopant concentration ofbetween 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10²¹ ions/cm³. In the most preferredembodiment, the memory node 108 has an average n-type dopantconcentration between 5×10¹⁹ and 1×10² ions/cm³. The memory node 108extends deeper into the substrate than the digit line node 112 so as tobe an acceptable close distance from the buried n-type layer 104. Moreparticularly, the source includes a lowestmost portion 109 which is ≦0.4micron above the buried n-type layer. In the most preferred embodiment,the lowestmost portion 109 of the source is ≦0.1 micron above the buriedn-type layer. In one embodiment, the source is formed by implanting1×10¹⁵ ions/cm² arsenic at approximately 45 KeV, and subsequentlyimplanting 1×10¹⁵ ions/cm² phosphorus at approximately 200 KeV.

The digit line node 112 has an average n-type dopant concentration ofbetween 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10²¹ ions/cm³. In the most preferredembodiment, the digit line node 112 has an average n-type dopantconcentration between 5×10¹⁹ and 1×10²⁰ ions/cm³. In one embodiment, thedrain is formed by implanting 1×10¹⁵ ions/cm² arsenic at 45 KeV.

The memory cell 100 further includes a p+ region 114 in junctionrelation with the memory node 108 and defining a tunnel diode betweenthe region 114 and the memory node 108. The region 114 comprises ap-type material having an average p-type dopant concentration between1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10²¹ ions/cm³. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,the p-type region comprises epitaxial silicon grown over the source andis accordingly above the substrate 102.

The memory cell 100 further includes spacers 118, and LDD implants 120.

FIG. 6 shows a static random access memory cell 200 which includesfeatures similar to those of the memory cell 100 shown in FIG. 5, likereference numerals indicating like components, except that p-type region214 comprises an implant in the source. The memory cell 200 includes abulk semiconductor silicon substrate 102, and a buried n-type layer 104.The memory cell 200 further includes an n-channel transistor 106 formedrelative to the substrate 102 over the buried n-type layer 104. Then-channel transistor 106 of memory cell 200 has a memory node 108, agate 110, and a digit line node 112. The memory cell 200 furtherincludes spacers 118. Region 214 within memory node 108 can be createdby using additional spacers 222. The spacers 222 provide a mask to thep-type implant, thus concentrating the region 214 centrally relative tothe lateral confines of the n-type memory node 108.

In operation, the p-type region 114 or 214 is held at a first voltage,while the n-type layer 104 is held at a second voltage, lower than thefirst voltage. The substrate 102 is held at some intermediate voltage toprovide a slight forward bias (e.g., less than 0.2 Volt) between then-type layer 104 and the substrate 102. The distance between the memorynode 108 and the n-type layer 104 will determine the required voltagefor the substrate 102. In one embodiment, the p-type region 114 is heldat between 0.75 Volt and 1.5 Volts, the n-type layer 104 is held at avoltage lower than that of the p-type region 114 or 214, and thesubstrate is held at 0.2 Volts above the voltage of the n-type layer 104for a distance of less than 0.4 micron between the memory node 108 andthe n-type layer 104. In the most preferred embodiment, the p-typeregion 114 or 214 is held at 1 Volt, the n-type layer 104 is held at 0Volts, and the substrate is held at is 0.2 Volts for a distance of lessthan 0.4 micron between the memory node 108 and the n-type layer 104.The tunnel diode (formed by the p-type region 114 or 214 and the memorynode 108) in combination with the buried n-type layer 104 work togetherto maintain a stable potential condition in the memory node 108. Ifvoltage in the memory node 108 falls below this stable value, the tunneldiode effect will bring the voltage back up. If the voltage rises abovethis stable value, the npn transistor formed by the memory node 108, thesubstrate 102, and the buried layer 104 will work to bring it back down.

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic of the memory cell 100, and shows thedigit line node 112, the gate 110, the tunnel diode 122, the memory node108, the substrate 102, and the buried n-type layer 104. A parasitic npntransistor 116 is formed by the buried n-type layer 104, the substrate102, and the memory node 108. The buried n-type layer 104 acts as anemitter of a parasitic npn transistor 116. The p-type substrate 102 actsas the base of the parasitic npn transistor 116, and the memory node 108acts as the collector of the parasitic npn transistor 116. The npntransistor 116 is lightly biased into the active region so that it canserve as a current sink for the memory node 108. The amount of forwardbias will be determined by the voltage at the substrate 102.

FIG. 8 is a plot of current vs. voltage for the SRAM 100 shown in FIG.5. The initially descending curve I₁ illustrates current flowing fromthe p-type region 114 or 214 to the memory node 108. The other curve I₂illustrates current flowing from the memory node 108 through thesubstrate 102 to the n-type layer 104.

In accordance with the invention, the illustrated two stable states P₁and P₂ are provided. With a constant voltage applied to the p-typeregion 114 or 214, and a differential between substrate 102 and n-typelayer 104, any voltage on storage node 108 falling within the R₁ rangewill stabilize at point P₁ where I₁ =I₂. Any deviation from P₁ withinthe R₁ range will cause non-zero current (I₁ -I₂) to flow into (I₁ >I₂)or out of (I₁ <I₂) the node 108. Therefore, the voltage on node 108 willincrease or decrease to V₁ and stabilize at point P₁. Likewise, anyvoltage within the R₂ region will stabilize at point P₂ due to theequalization of current I₁ and I₂. Note that there is another statewhich is an extraneous stable state or a metastable state where the I₁and I₂ curves cross. However, any deviation from this undesirable pointwill cause the currents to equalize at either the P₁ or P₂ voltagestates.

Accordingly, in operation, with zero Volts for the memory node 108, I₁will equal I₂ with the source voltage stabilizing at the indicated stateP₁. Consider the situation where a high voltage of, for example, oneVolt is desired to be written and maintained in the memory node 108.Accordingly, a voltage slightly higher than one Volt is provided to theillustrated digit line node 112. The gate 110 is activated to cause oneVolt to be provided in the illustrated memory node 108. The gate wouldsubsequently be turned off. The result would be an I₂ which falls to theright of the illustrated stable P₂ point. The voltage would drop to thepoint where I₁ equals I₂ at the stable P₂ point, with voltage beingmaintained at the illustrated value on the x axis. Accordingly, thevoltage would be maintained at this point and there would be norequirement for any refresh in contradistinction to a conventional DRAMcell in which there is constant leakage from the diffusion region to thesubstrate and through the capacitor.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show alternative embodiments, complementary to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, with p-type material substituted forn-type material, n-type material substituted for p-type material, andwith negative voltages applied instead of the various positive voltages.Operation is similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Theembodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are manufactured using semiconductorprocessing steps that are substantially identical to the steps employedfor manufacturing the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, exceptwith n-type material substituted for p-type material, and with p-typematerial substituted for n-type material.

More particularly, FIG. 9 shows a memory cell 300 including a substrate302, and a p-channel transistor 306 formed relative to the substrate 302over a buried p-type layer 304. The p-channel transistor 306 has amemory node 308, a gate 310, and a p+ digit line node 312. In oneembodiment, the memory node 308 is defined by the source of thetransistor 306, and the digit line node 312 is defined by the drain ofthe transistor. In an alternative embodiment, the memory node 308 isdefined by the drain of the transistor 306, and the digit line node 312is defined by the source of the transistor.

The memory node 308 has an average p-type dopant concentration ofbetween 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10² ions/cm³. In the most preferredembodiment, the memory node 308 has an average p-type dopantconcentration between 5×10¹⁹ and 1×10²⁰ ions/cm³. The memory node 308extends deeper into the substrate than the digit line node 312 so as tobe an acceptable close distance from the buried p-type layer 304. Moreparticularly, the memory node includes a lowestmost portion 309 which is≦0.4 micron above the buried p-type layer. In the most preferredembodiment, the lowestmost portion 309 of the memory node is ≦0.1 micronabove the buried p-type layer 304.

The digit line node 312 has an average p-type dopant concentration of atbetween 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and 5×10²¹ ions/cm³. In the most preferredembodiment, the digit line node 312 has an average p-type dopantconcentration between 5×10¹⁹ and 1×10²⁰ ions/cm³.

The memory cell 300 further includes an n-type region 314 in junctionrelation with the memory node 308 and defining a tunnel diode betweenthe n-type region 314 and the memory node 308. The n-type region injunction with the source comprises n-type material having an averagen-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹.

The memory cell 300 further includes spacers 318, and LDD implants 320.

FIG. 10 shows a static random access memory cell 400 which includesfeatures similar to those of the memory cell 300 shown in FIG. 9, likereference numerals indicating like components, except that n-type region414 comprises an implant in the source. The memory cell 400 includes abulk semiconductor silicon substrate 302, and a buried p-type layer 304.The memory cell 400 further includes an p-channel transistor 306 formedrelative to the substrate 302 over the buried p-type layer 304. Thep-channel transistor 306 of memory cell 400 has a memory node 308, agate 310, and a digit line node 312. The memory cell 400 furtherincludes spacers 318. Region 414 within memory node 308 can be createdby using additional spacers 422. The spacers 422 provide a mask to then-type implant, thus concentrating the region 414 centrally relative tothe lateral confines of the memory node 308.

In operation, the n-type region 314 or 414 is held at a first voltage,while the p-type layer 304 is held at a second voltage, higher or lessnegative than the first voltage. The substrate 302 is held at someintermediate voltage. The distance between the memory node 308 and thep-type layer 304 will determine the required voltage for the substrate302. In one embodiment, the n-type region 314 or 414 is held at between-0.75 Volt and -1.5 Volts, the p-type layer 304 is held at a voltagehigher than that of the n-type region 314 or 414, and the substrate isheld at 0.2 Volts below the voltage of the p-type layer 304 for adistance of less than 0.4 micron between the memory node 308 and thep-type layer 304. In the most preferred embodiment, the n-type region314 or 414 is held at -1 Volt, the p-type layer 304 is held at 0 Volts,and the substrate is held at -0.2 Volts for a distance of less than 0.4micron between the source 108 and the n-type layer 104.

Thus, an SRAM has been disclosed which is more compact than currentSRAMS, and which requires fewer MOSFETS. The SRAM has the advantage ofnot requiring refresh, and further has the advantage of smaller size.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory device comprising:a static random accessmemory cell including a p-type semiconductor substrate; an n-type regionin the substrate; an n-channel transistor formed over the n-type region,the n-channel transistor having a source defining a memory node, a gate,and a drain; the memory node, the n-type region, and the substratedefining a parasitic transistor with the substrate acting as the base ofthe parasitic transistor, the memory node acting as the collector of theparasitic transistor, and the n-type region acting as the emitter of theparasitic transistor; and a p+ region in junction relation with thesource and operating in combination with the source to define a tunneldiode, the p-type semiconductor substrate being configured to be forwardbiased relative to the n-type region, and the parasitic transistor beingconfigured to act as a current sink for the memory node.
 2. A memorydevice in accordance with claim 1 wherein the memory node includes alowermost portion which is ≦0.1 micron above the buried region.
 3. Amemory device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the memory nodeincludes a lowermost portion which is ≦0.4 micron above the buriedregion.
 4. A memory device in accordance with claim 1 wherein thesubstrate comprises material having an average dopant concentration ofat least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³.
 5. A memory device in accordance with claim 1wherein the region in junction relation with the source comprisesmaterial having an average dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹.
 6. Amemory device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the region in junctionrelation with the memory node comprises epitaxial silicon grown over thesource.
 7. A memory device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the regionin junction relation with the memory node comprises an implant in thememory node.
 8. A memory device comprising:a static random access memorycell including an n-type semiconductor substrate; a p-type region in thesubstrate; a p-channel transistor formed over the p-type region, thep-channel transistor having a source defining a memory node, a gate, anda drain; the memory node, the p-type region, and the substrate defininga parasitic transistor with the substrate acting as the base of theparasitic transistor, the memory node acting as the collector of theparasitic transistor, and the p-type region acting as the emitter of theparasitic transistor; and an n+ region in junction relation with thesource and operating in combination with the source to define a tunneldiode, the n-type semiconductor substrate being configured to beconnected to a first voltage, the p-type region being configured to beconnected to a second voltage above the first voltage, the n+ regionbeing configured to be connected to a third voltage lower than the firstvoltage, and the parasitic transistor being configured to be forwardbiased to act as a current sink for the memory node.
 9. A static randomaccess memory cell comprising:a p-type semiconductor substrate having anaverage p-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ andbeing configured to be connected to a first voltage; a buried n-typediffusion region in the substrate, the n-type region having an averagen-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and beingconfigured to be connected to a second voltage lower than the firstvoltage; an n-channel transistor formed relative to the substrate overthe n-type region, the n-channel transistor having a source, a gate, anda drain, the source having an average n-type dopant concentration of atleast 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and the drain having an average n-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; and a p-type region injunction relation with the source and defining in combination with thesource a tunnel diode, the p-type region being configured to beconnected to a third voltage higher than the first voltage, the source,the n-type region, and the substrate defining a transistor with thesubstrate acting as the base of the transistor, the memory node actingas the collector of the transistor, and the n-type region acting as theemitter of the transistor.
 10. A static memory cell comprising:an n-typesemiconductor substrate having an average n-type dopant concentration ofat least 1×10¹⁶ ions/cm³ and being configured to be connected to a firstvoltage; a buried p-type diffusion region in the substrate, the p-typeregion having an average p-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ions/cm³ and being configured to be connected to a second voltage abovethe first voltage; a p-channel transistor formed relative to thesubstrate over the p-type region, the p-channel transistor having asource, a gate, and a drain, the source having an average p-type dopantconcentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ and the drain having anaverage p-type dopant concentration of at least 1×10¹⁹ ions/cm³ ; and ann-type region in junction relation with the source and defining incombination with the source a tunnel diode, the n-type region beingconfigured to be connected to a third voltage lower than the firstvoltage, the source, the p-type region, and the substrate defining atransistor with the substrate acting as the base of the transistor, thememory node acting as the collector of the transistor, and the p-typeregion acting as the emitter of the transistor.
 11. A memory devicecomprising:a static random access memory cell including a p-typesemiconductor substrate; an n-type region in the substrate; an n-channeltransistor formed over the n-type region, the n-channel transistorhaving a control electrode and two power electrodes, one of the powerelectrodes defining a memory node, the memory node having a portionwhich is ≦0.4 micron above the buried layer; the memory node, the n-typeregion, and the substrate defining a parasitic transistor with thesubstrate acting as the base of the parasitic transistor, the memorynode acting as the collector of the parasitic transistor, and the n-typeregion acting as the emitter of the parasitic transistor; and a p+region in junction relation with the memory node and operating incombination with the memory node to define a tunnel diode.
 12. A memorydevice comprising:a static random access memory cell including an n-typesemiconductor substrate; a p-type region in the substrate; a p-channeltransistor formed over the p-type region, the p-channel transistorhaving a control electrode and two power electrodes, one of the powerelectrodes defining a memory node, the memory node having a portionwhich is ≦0.4 micron above the buried layer; the memory node, the p-typeregion, and the substrate defining a parasitic transistor with thesubstrate acting as the base of the parasitic transistor, the memorynode acting as the collector of the parasitic transistor, and the p-typeregion acting as the emitter of the parasitic transistor; and an n+region in junction relation with the source and operating in combinationwith the memory node to define a tunnel diode.